WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- A Wilmington man will spend 25 years in prison after admitting to federal drug and weapons charges.

Earlier this year Leander Hands, 37, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin and possession of a firearm among other crimes.

New Hanover County Sheriff's detectives arrested Hands February 15, 2011, after an undercover heroin purchase near a Wilmington apartment complex. Detectives say Hands supplied the heroin to the person arrested.

When detectives stopped an car driven by Hands they found heroin, crack and $1,200, including undercover funds used to buy the heroin.

Later they searched an apartment at Taylor Homes associated with Hands, where they found 250 bags of heroin in a child's bedroom. In the master bedroom closet, detectives found a safe containing more than $16,000, a
bullet proof vest and a handgun. Detectives also found a stolen handgun in a bedroom drawer.

The judge also sentenced Hands to five years supervised probation.

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